Emptying bins to exploring the JOurneY

17 years ago, I was in Manchester having dropped out of my studies, figuring out what to do. A little lost, embarrassed and feeling like I’d let people down, Including myself. So I jumped into a few jobs - bar jobs, holding a sign for a whole day on Oldham street, to selling tickets in IBIZA. Then I started my first shift at M&S Trafford centre- my first job emptying bins. Fast forward to today - Head of supply chain at B&Q, Founder of a little outdoor collective - ‘Beans, Bricks & Beaches’ and about to step into a 12-month sabbatical to travel, connect & explore.

Navigating life has ups, downs and in betweens. As part of that navigation, I’ve had lots of moments of feeling a little lost. Something I’m now quite accustomed to and positive about, being lost is no bad thing. Recently covid isolation, heartbreak and not quite being where the world expects you to be - continues to teach me - Stay curious, enjoy community and live the JOurneY to find joy.

I have led teams, launched a hike club, ran up mountains, quelled the anxiety of public speaking, seeked help, been the help, had fun and kept stepping outside my comfort zone. What’s helped me has been Leaning on resilience & taking accountability, to find more JOY (You’ll see some stuff keep popping up, for that I am not sorry, joy is one of them)

One of the the things to find more joy has been figuring out how to make connections as I get older and navigating lots of the journey on my own. Embracing my philosophy on life, ‘beans, bricks and beaches - Grounding, growth and gratitude’. making sure that when I got lost, I sought energy to make me feel good, like…

Joining a trail run club ‘MRP or Maverick run Purbeck’ - Tom & JV you legends - some people may never know how it feels when you live alone for someone to take you for a chicken wrap. Why? because you’ve just dived into the sea to cool off post run, can’t get in your car because the electric keys that were in your pocket are now soaked and that means you can’t also get in your home because your keys are in said car, as is your phone. In your head this feels apocalyptic at the time. That chicken wrap felt good in that moment - find good people.

Consistent Tuesday night tennis & a pint of Guinness with my pal Jack - I’ve told him this. But it’s amazing having a mate to just have a hit with, sit down for a pint with and be able to be open up with - find good people.

Testing myself recently at public speaking, sharing vulnerable ideas, being invited to national professional events and making cool connections - find good people.

Picking up my camera again and started shooting stories. It’s actually quite hard to hold yourself to account to do things even ones you love and feel positive vibes about when you’re alone - Find good in yourself.

Now when I say alone I want to be clear alone doesn’t always mean lonely, it sometimes means gloriously flexible. No pressure other than yourself and an ability to do whatever you want! But it does also come with a solo tax - not just a financial one (although it does, It costs the average single person in the UK around 30% more than those in partnerships or families) also a mental one and an accountability pressure on yourself - driving your own energy. The dark days can become very dark and the light ones very bright - Finding bright days are more fun and joyful.

I have also become even more thirsty to search out great moments, great communities, great people and great stories.

AND curiosity is calling me again - this time with travel.

Begining a sabbatical in January ‘26, I’m hoping to see lots of Australia, Asia, the Americas and travel as many of the blue regions as I can ( but who knows, I’m keeping it flexible). So from emptying bins, to feeling lost, transforming teams, to walking in as much green. I’m still curious. Still learning. Still moving forward.

I have a key guiding rule that has stayed with me for along as I can remember… Do the right thing, not the easy thing.